The administrative capital of South Africa is a low-key city—it doesn’t compete with its Gauteng Province neighbour Johannesburg in size or cultural clout—but there are oh-so-many fun things to do in Pretoria. Fewer tourists means more space to explore, and more chances to feel a part of South African everyday life. The city is still largely Afrikaans and you’ll hear plenty of the language being spoken around town (though you’re unlikely to meet a person in Pretoria who doesn’t speak English). As in all South African destinations, visitors must err on the side of caution, but generally this is a laid-back city that feels like a sprawling home town, and its attractions are accordingly eclectic.
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What is it? The one-time home of every Afrikaaner’s favourite president, Paul Kruger, who rose to popularity by leading the Transvaal War against Britain.
Why go? Soak up some ZAR history in the surrounds of a surprisingly modest late-nineteenth-century house that’s brimming with period trinkets.
What is it? The official seat of the South African government is an enormous, Acropolis-inspired building that watches over the city from its highest point. Its terraced grounds are planted only with native species.
Why go? At its inception just over a century ago this was the largest building in South Africa, and it remains a magnificent sight. Wander the lovely gardens and take a picture with the nine-metre tall statue of Mandela.
